Removable sealing device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to sealing devices adapted to prevent the escape of fluids or granules from containers, and more particularly to sealing devices which are removable after the containers are properly positioned so as to minimize the spilling of the fluids or granules when transferring same into receptacles.

In the transfer of pourable materials, whether fluid or granular, from a container to a receptacle, spillage often takes place. This is particularly likely to occur if the size of the opening of the container is large in proportion to the size of the opening of the receptacle, or if the working environment renders transfer of the material difficult to effect without spillage. The resulting spillage is wasteful and potentially hazardous, and the cleanup is time consuming. A prime example occurs when automotive motor oil is attempted to be transferred from a container into an automobile engine. In such circumstances the oil flowing from the container may be spilled onto the engine, making a mess and potentially degrading components of the engine or interfering with their function. It may also lead to fire if the oil is spilled in sufficient quantity onto hot engine parts. In another example, in the case of a bakery, flour, baking soda, powdered sugar, and the like may spill when poured from a container into a bin or receptacle. This wastes valuable product, creates extra labor to clean the spill, and may introduce particulate matter into the air, threatening the health of the person doing the pouring as well as others nearby. In yet another example, chemical laboratories in schools or businesses commonly make use of chemical reagents which are purchased in bulk and then transferred from large containers into smaller ones, such as beakers or flasks. Spillage in such cases is particularly hazardous, since many chemical reagents are toxic, as well as producing noxious fumes.

The advantages of utilizing a sealing device adapted to prevent the escape of fluids or granules until the container is properly aligned with the receptacle are many. The use of such devices could prevent motor oil spills by users even on windy days or in the dark; they could reduce material waste and airborne particulates; they could reduce the hazards of handling noxious and toxic chemicals. These and other obvious advantages would accrue to the use of the claimed device.

2. Description of Prior Art

There have been a number of attempts by others to design containers, particularly in the troublesome case of engine oil, which eliminate spillage. These most often involve specially designed containers with features manufactured into the container and/or the cap of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,687,829 (Horrocks), issued Aug. 31, 1954, represents an early attempt to remove a seal after the container has been properly positioned with respect to the receptacle. '829 (Horrocks) involves a device where the neck of the container is adapted to puncture the cap. The disadvantages of this device is the necessity of reconfiguring both the container neck and the cap, and the resulting damage to the cap which prevents it from sealing the container after use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,570 (Dubow, et al.), issued Jun. 23, 1992, involves a frangible seal and a seal rupturing rod attached to the bottom of the container and extending to just below the seal. The seal is broken by applying a sufficient force to the bottom of the container to distort the Bottom inward, thereby forcing the rod through the seal. This design necessitates a modification of the container to incorporate the rod. It also creates a tiny aperture in the seal, which may impede the free flow of contents, especially if the contents are granular rather than fluid. Finally, the materials from which the container may be constructed are limited to those flexible enough to permit distortion of the bottom of the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,859 (Willis, et al.), issued Oct. 22, 1996, operates on a principal similar to '570 (Dubow). '859 (Willis) involves a frangible seal with a seal-piercing component integrated into the cap. The cap also includes an aperture through which the contents may flow. The disadvantages of this design are several: the cap itself must be redesigned to include the piercing component and the aperture; the seal may be inadvertently pierced during storage or handling; and once the seal is ruptured, the cap, due to the aperture, no longer seals the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,180 (Cardenas), issued Apr. 2, 2002, also operates on a principal similar to '570 (Dubow), in that the device includes a frangible seal and an integrated seal rupturing component. In '180 (Cardenas), the seal rupturing component is an inner neck situated below the seal; when the outer neck is compressed, the inner neck contacts and ruptures the seal. This design requires a substantial modification to the container and limits the materials from which the container may be constructed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,082 (Sampson), issued Dec. 6, 1988, employs a seal which is removed by applying force to the sides of the container, thereby creating an increase in the internal pressure of the container until such pressure causes the seal to detach from the container. While this invention does not require any modification to a standard container, it does limit the construction of the container to materials which are easily deformable. Moreover, it would not be useful with granule, rather than fluid, contents, as the lateral pressures applied to the sides of the container would not easily translate into increased pressure on the seal. Finally, this invention does not allow the user much control over the release of the seal, as the amount of pressure needed to be applied to the sides of the container may be variable and the ultimate detachment of the seal from the container may be rather explosive, creating the very spillage that the device is intended to prevent. In addition, compression of the container during shipping or handling could inadvertently break the seal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,968 (Good), issued Oct. 11, 1994, operates on a principal similar to '082 (Sampson) in that a force is applied to the sides of the container to create an increase in the internal pressure. '968 (Good) differs from '082 (Sampson) in that the seal itself is designed with weakened areas which give way when the internal pressure is great enough, thereby causing the seal to rupture. This device has all of the disadvantages evident in the '082 (Sampson) invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,344 (Jangaard), issued Sep. 7, 1999, also operates on a principal similar to '082 (Sampson). '344 (Jangaard) discloses a container with an enlarged chamber formed into the neck, with a plug lodged in the opening at the end of the chamber opposite the exterior opening of the container. The container is required to be constructed of a flexible material. The user dislodges the plug by applying a sufficient force to distort the container, thereby increasing the interior pressure sufficiently to dislodge the plug; the plug remains in the chamber and the fluid flows around it and out of the container. This device has all of the disadvantages evident in the '082 (Sampson) invention, as well as requiring significant modification to the container. In addition, if pressure on the container is released, the plug may return to its original position, stopping the flow of the contents.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,772 (Poulsen), issued Jun. 10, 1997, employs a container with an elongated, flexible neck, with a frangible seal attached within the neck. The seal is ruptured when the neck is squeezed with sufficient force to distort its shape. This design requires the container to be modified and limits the materials from which the container may be constructed. It also involves a difficult procedure for attaching the seal to the interior of the elongated neck in the manufacturing process.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,136 (Debetencourt), issued Aug. 12, 1986, discloses a seal having a small tab. This invention requires modification to the container neck or to the cap to create a free space to accommodate the tab. Nevertheless, the tab is so short that its utility in remotely removing the seal is minimized.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,571 (Crecelius, et al.), issued Oct. 10, 1989, comes closest to solving the problems inherent in the prior art devices. It applies a removable seal to a standard container, with the seal having an elongated tab to facilitate the removal of the seal. Use of the elongated tab provides the user control in removing the seal. However, the container still needs to be modified by creating a channel in the threads of the container in order to accommodate the elongated tab. This need for modification increases the cost of the container and reduces the attractiveness of this device for production purposes. Additionally, the elongated tab is positioned alongside the neck of the container in a manner which is not conducive to easy removal of the seal, thereby necessitating the repositioning of the tab before it can be effectively used. This may present some difficulty to a user, especially if the tab is adhered to the neck of the container, as is taught by the device. Finally, the tab itself may be difficult to grip because of its elongated shape.

The claimed invention addresses all of the problems and deficiencies found in the prior art. The primary advantage is that no modification to the container is required. Containers manufactured of plastic material using a blow-molding process by which manufacture is rendered less expensive than by other forms of molding or shaping of the container may be used. This is especially useful when the container is to be used for dispensing automotive motor oil, as such containers conform to industrial standards as to dimensions, shape and features. However, any other method of manufacture may be used, as well as any kind of material, including rigid materials which would prevent the container from distorting. Other advantages of the claimed invention are that it allows for a controlled removal of the seal, thereby minimizing accidental spillage from unexpected or sudden rupturing of the seal; the claimed invention aligns the remote seal removal mechanism for the convenience of the user; and it retains the seal after it is removed to minimize the creation of litter. The claimed invention is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to adapt to existing manufacturing processes.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a removable sealing device adapted for use with a hollow container suitable for containing fluid or granules, said container comprising a body and a neck, said container having an opening in the neck defined by a rim through which contents of the container may flow, and said container optionally having an external thread or other mechanical detent on the neck suitably adapted to receive a cap with internal threads or other mechanical means for retaining the cap in place on the neck of the container.

In this aspect, the removable sealing device comprises a membranous seal adapted to cover the opening of the container and a sleeve adapted to be positioned over and around the neck of the container. The membranous seal has a sealing component and a tab component. The sealing component is suitably shaped to completely cover the opening in the neck of the container and the rim of the opening. The tab component has a substantially elongated rectangular shape, with an attachment end and a gripping end located opposite the attachment end. The attachment end of the tab component is attached to and integrated with the sealing component such that the tab component is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sealing component. The gripping end of the tab component has a suitable shape so as to make the tab component convenient to grasp. The tab component is folded across the top surface of the sealing component and down the neck of the container. The sleeve is positioned over and around the neck of the container such that the sleeve fits snugly about the neck of the container and over the tab component, holding the tab component in place.

This aspect may also include one or more of the following features: the membranous seal is comprised of multiple layers, with the outer surfaces of the outer layers having reasonably low coefficients of friction; the gripping end of the tab component contains a central aperture, suitably adapted to accommodate a user's finger; the membranous seal further comprises a first crimp and a second crimp which facilitate the folding of the tab component back upon the sealing component and downward along the neck of the container; the sealing component further comprises first and second break lines, formed into the sealing component such that the sealing component is weakened along the first and second break lines yet still retains the ability to provide an unbroken seal over the opening of the neck of the container; the sealing component further comprises first and second notches which facilitate tearing of the sealing component along the first and second break lines; the device further comprising a lever to facilitate rupturing the sealing component; and the device may comprise multiple membranous seals attached to each other in a continuous length with serrations in between to facilitate separation of individual membranous seals.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of sealing containers having been filled with appropriate contents, the method utilizing multiple membranous seals attached to each other in a continuous length.

It is an object of the invention to make the use of existing containers more convenient, less wasteful, and safer, by applying the removable sealing device disclosed herein to existing containers, with no modifications necessary to existing containers or caps, and without the necessity of manufacturing special containers.

It is a further object of the invention to provide for a method of sealing containers which has minimal impact to existing production lines, thereby allowing adaptation of the claimed device to existing uses at little additional cost.

Other features and advantages of the invention are described below.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a cut away side view showing details of the arrangement of components of the device in one embodiment.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a method of using the device to transfer fluid from a container into a receptacle.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a cross-section side view of the membranous seal, indicating the location of the central aperture and the optional crimps.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a planar view of the membranous seal showing the location of the central aperture, the optional crimps, and the optional serrations.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a planar view of multiple membranous seals attached in a continuous length as a suggested method of manufacture.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view showing an alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container by use of weakened zones in the sealing component.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view showing the use of the device when employing an alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container as depicted in FIG. <b>7</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view showing the use of the device when employing an alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container as depicted in FIG. <b>7</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a perspective view showing an alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container by use of a lever.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a cut away side view showing the components of the alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container as depicted in FIG. <b>10</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a cut away side view showing the use of the device when employing the alternate means of breaking the sealing component of the container as depicted in FIG. <b>10</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows steps one through four of the claimed method for sealing containers using the device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows steps five through eleven of the claimed method for sealing containers using the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein comprises a removable seal device for a container <b>2</b> of standard manufacture which will allow the user to unseal the container <b>2</b> after it is properly positioned with respect to a receptacle <b>4</b> so as to minimize spillage. In the preferred embodiment, the removable seal device is used on containers of automotive motor oil.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the device. The device is adapted to be used with any standard container <b>2</b> having the following characteristics: the container <b>2</b> must be suitable for containing fluid <b>6</b> or granules; the container <b>2</b> must have a neck <b>8</b>; the neck <b>8</b> must have an opening <b>10</b> defined by a rim <b>12</b> through which contents of the container <b>2</b> may flow; the container <b>2</b> may have a cap <b>16</b> suitable for sealing the container <b>2</b>; the neck <b>8</b> may have external threads <b>14</b> or other mechanical detent suitably adapted to receive the cap <b>16</b>; the cap <b>16</b> may have internal threads <b>18</b> or other mechanical means for retaining the cap <b>16</b> in place on the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>; and the cap <b>16</b> may employ a standard tamper-evident locking ring <b>19</b>. Neither the cap <b>16</b> nor the tamper-evident locking ring <b>19</b> are required for full functionality of the device.

The removable sealing device is comprised of a membranous seal <b>20</b> and a sleeve <b>40</b>. The membranous seal <b>20</b> is constructed of any flexible, frangible material having a reasonably low coefficient of friction and sufficient tensile strength to perform its sealing and unsealing functions. In one embodiment the membranous seal <b>20</b> may be comprised of multiple layers, with the outer surfaces of the outer layers having reasonably low coefficients of friction.

The membranous seal <b>20</b> is comprised of a sealing component <b>22</b> and a tab component <b>24</b>, whereby the sealing component <b>22</b> is integrated with the tab component <b>24</b>, as shown in FIG. <b>5</b>. The sealing component <b>22</b> is suitably shaped to completely cover the opening <b>10</b> in the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and the rim <b>12</b> of the opening <b>10</b>. In the preferred embodiment the sealing component <b>22</b> is circular. The tab component <b>24</b> has a substantially elongated rectangular shape, with an attachment end <b>26</b> and a gripping end <b>28</b> located opposite the attachment end <b>26</b>, and with a first edge <b>30</b> and a second edge <b>32</b> opposite the first edge <b>30</b>. The tab component <b>24</b> may be of any length or width that is convenient and which allows the user to conveniently grasp the tab component <b>24</b> after the container <b>2</b> is properly positioned with respect to a receptacle <b>4</b> in preparation for pouring its contents into the receptacle <b>4</b>.

The tab component <b>24</b> extends from the sealing component <b>22</b>, with its attachment end <b>26</b> adjacent to the sealing component <b>22</b>, and the tab component <b>24</b> oriented substantially perpendicular to the sealing component <b>22</b>. In one embodiment, the gripping end <b>28</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> has a greater width than the width of the remainder of the tab component <b>24</b>, thereby forming a spatulate handle convenient for gripping. This shaping of the gripping end <b>28</b> improves the ability of the user to properly manipulate the device, since the low coefficient of friction of the material comprising the tab component <b>24</b> may otherwise be overly slippery. In another embodiment, the gripping end <b>28</b> may be of any other suitable shape so as to make the tab component <b>24</b> convenient to grasp. In yet another embodiment, the gripping end <b>28</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> contains a central aperture <b>34</b>, suitably adapted to accommodate a user's finger <b>36</b>. When a user's finger <b>36</b> is inserted into the aperture <b>34</b>, the gripping end <b>28</b> becomes a pull loop, thereby making the tab component <b>24</b> even easier to grasp and making operation of the device reliable in all conditions.

The sealing component <b>22</b> is removably attached to the rim <b>12</b> of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> using an adhesive or a heat-based process, sufficient to make a seal, thereby totally covering the opening <b>10</b> in the neck <b>8</b>. Details of the method to adhere the sealing component <b>22</b> to the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> are well known to those skilled in the art.

The sleeve <b>40</b> is comprised of a flexible material having a reasonably low coefficient of friction. The sleeve <b>40</b> has openings <b>42</b>,<b>44</b> at either end and is suitably adapted to be positioned over and around the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> such that the sleeve <b>40</b> fits snugly about the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and below the external threads <b>14</b> on the neck <b>8</b>.

The tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> is folded back upon the sealing component <b>22</b>, then folded downward along the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and over the external threads <b>14</b> on the neck <b>8</b>. The sleeve <b>40</b> is placed over the neck <b>8</b> such that the tab component <b>24</b> is disposed between the sleeve <b>40</b> and the neck <b>8</b>, with the gripping end <b>28</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> extending from the lower opening <b>44</b> of the sleeve <b>40</b>. The sleeve <b>40</b> serves to retain the tab component <b>24</b> in position and protect it from damage during storage and handling, as well as to provide a guide for the tab component <b>24</b> during removal of the membranous seal <b>20</b>.

When utilized, the cap <b>16</b> is placed onto the neck <b>8</b>, such that the tab component <b>24</b> is disposed between the internal threads <b>18</b> of the cap <b>16</b> and the external threads <b>14</b> of the neck <b>8</b>. The low coefficient of friction of the material comprising the tab component <b>24</b> allows the cap <b>16</b> to be placed onto the neck <b>8</b> without necessitating any modification to the cap <b>16</b> or neck <b>8</b>, as the cap <b>16</b> glides easily over the tab component <b>24</b> and is secured to the neck <b>8</b> without loss of sealing effectiveness or impedance in use. The cap <b>16</b>, when placed tightly on the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>, also serves to secure the tab component <b>24</b> in place and prevents the membranous seal <b>20</b> from being prematurely or accidentally removed. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows the foregoing arrangement of the components of the device in greater detail.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows how the removable sealing device may be used in one embodiment. In Step <b>1</b>, the cap <b>16</b> is removed from the container <b>2</b>. The removable sealing device will work unimpeded even if a tamper-evident locking ring <b>19</b> is used with the cap <b>16</b>. In Steps <b>2</b>-<b>4</b>, the container <b>2</b> is properly positioned with respect to the receptacle <b>4</b>. During this positioning the uncapped container <b>2</b> remains sealed by the sealing component <b>22</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b>. In the case where the container <b>2</b> contains automotive motor oil and the receptacle <b>4</b> is an automobile engine crankcase, proper positioning of the container <b>2</b> would involve inserting the neck <b>8</b> into the opening of the crankcase. (See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, Steps <b>3</b>-<b>4</b>.) The sleeve <b>40</b> serves to protect the tab component <b>24</b> from the potentially sharp interior edges of the opening of the receptacle <b>4</b>. The sleeve <b>40</b> also properly aligns the tab component <b>24</b> for the user. Because the tab component <b>24</b> has been folded over the sealing component <b>22</b> and lays against the side of the neck <b>8</b> opposite the attachment end <b>26</b>, exerting an upward force on the tab component <b>24</b> when the container <b>2</b> is inverted causes the sealing component <b>22</b> to easily peel or tear away from the rim <b>12</b> of the neck <b>8</b>, thereby uncovering the opening <b>10</b> in the neck <b>8</b> and allowing the contents of the container <b>2</b> to flow out of the container <b>2</b>. (See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, Step <b>5</b>.) The sleeve <b>40</b> serves to direct the force on the tab component <b>24</b> in the proper direction regardless of the orientation of the container <b>2</b>. However, even if the sleeve <b>40</b> is removed, or if the tab component <b>24</b> is extracted from between the sleeve <b>40</b> and the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>, the membranous seal <b>20</b> may be removed by applying a suitable force to the tab component <b>24</b>. The sleeve <b>40</b> also secures the membranous seal <b>20</b> to the container <b>2</b> once the container <b>2</b> has been unsealed, thereby reducing the likelihood of litter.

In one embodiment, the membranous seal <b>20</b> further comprises a first crimp <b>50</b> and a second crimp <b>52</b>, each of which is suitably adapted to facilitate the folding of the tab component <b>24</b> back upon the sealing component <b>22</b> and downward along the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>. The first crimp <b>50</b> extends laterally across the width of the tab component <b>24</b> from the first edge <b>30</b> to the second edge <b>32</b> and positioned where the attachment end <b>26</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> meets the sealing component <b>22</b>. The second crimp <b>52</b> extends laterally across the width of the tab component <b>24</b> from the first edge <b>30</b> to the second edge <b>32</b> and is positioned between the first crimp <b>50</b> and the gripping end <b>28</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> such that the distance between the first crimp <b>50</b> and the second crimp <b>52</b> is substantially identical to the diameter of the opening <b>10</b> of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>. The foregoing arrangement is depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>.

In another embodiment, the sealing component <b>22</b> further comprises a first break line <b>54</b> and a second break line <b>57</b>. These break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b> represent weakened areas in the membranous material comprising the sealing component <b>22</b>, thereby facilitating tearing of the sealing component <b>22</b> during the removal operation. However, the break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b> are suitably adapted so as to not compromise the ability of the sealing component <b>22</b> to provide an unbroken seal over the opening <b>10</b> of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>. The first break line <b>54</b> is formed into the sealing component <b>22</b> and has a first end <b>55</b> and a second end <b>56</b>. The first end <b>55</b> of the first break line <b>54</b> is adjacent to the first edge <b>30</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> where the tab component <b>24</b> meets the sealing component <b>22</b>. The first break line <b>54</b> extends across and transects the sealing component <b>22</b>, with the second end <b>56</b> of the first break line <b>54</b> located proximate to an edge of the sealing component <b>22</b> opposite the tab component <b>24</b>. The second break line <b>57</b> is formed into the sealing component <b>22</b> and has a first end <b>58</b> and a second end <b>59</b>. The first end <b>58</b> of the second break line <b>57</b> is adjacent to the second edge <b>32</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> where the tab component <b>24</b> meets the sealing component <b>22</b>. The second break line <b>57</b> extends across and transects the sealing component <b>22</b>, with the second end <b>59</b> of the second break line <b>57</b> located proximate to an edge of the sealing component <b>22</b> opposite the tab component <b>24</b>. The first break line <b>54</b> and the second break line <b>57</b> diverge as they extend across the sealing component <b>22</b>, such that the distance between the second ends <b>56</b>,<b>59</b> of the first and second break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b> is greater than the distance between the first ends <b>55</b>,<b>58</b> of the first and second break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b>. The application of a suitable force to the tab component <b>24</b> initiates the tearing of the sealing component <b>22</b> along the first and second break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b>. This embodiment may further comprise optional first and second notches <b>60</b>, <b>62</b> to facilitate the tearing of the sealing component <b>22</b> along the first and second break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b>. The first notch <b>60</b> is located adjacent to the first end <b>55</b> of the first break line <b>54</b> and the second notch <b>62</b> is located adjacent to the first end <b>58</b> of the second break line <b>57</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows the approximate location of the first and second break lines <b>54</b>,<b>57</b> and the first and second notches <b>60</b>,<b>62</b> on the sealing component <b>22</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> depict operation of this embodiment.

In the event the device is used on a container <b>2</b> of sufficient size so as to require a particularly durable membranous seal <b>20</b> such that ordinary manual strength may be impractical or insufficient to effect the removal of the membranous seal <b>20</b>, an optional lever <b>70</b> may be attached to the membranous seal <b>20</b> to assist in applying sufficient force in a direction away from the opening <b>10</b> of the container <b>2</b> and toward the base of the container <b>2</b>, such that the action of the lever <b>70</b> punctures the sealing component <b>22</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b>. The lever <b>70</b> must be constructed of a substantially rigid material. It has a first end <b>72</b> and a second end <b>74</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, the lever <b>70</b> is attached to the sealing component <b>22</b> with the first end <b>72</b> of the lever <b>70</b> positioned adjacent to the attachment end <b>26</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> and the second end <b>74</b> of the lever <b>70</b> positioned over the sealing component <b>22</b>. When an upward or lateral force is applied to the tab component <b>24</b> the first end <b>72</b> of the lever <b>70</b> is lifted upward, causing the second end <b>74</b> of the lever <b>70</b> to be forced downward, rupturing the sealing component <b>22</b>. (See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12.</figref>) In one embodiment, the second end <b>74</b> of the lever <b>70</b> is shaped into a point <b>76</b> to facilitate the lever's <b>70</b> ability to rupture the sealing component <b>22</b>.

To facilitate the adaptation of the device to existing manufacturing processes, multiple membranous seals <b>20</b> may be attached to each other in a continuous length <b>80</b>, as shown in FIG. <b>6</b>. The gripping end <b>28</b> of the tab component <b>24</b> of each membranous seal <b>20</b> would be attached to the sealing component <b>22</b> of an adjacent membranous seal <b>20</b>. Serrations <b>82</b> would be formed at the junction of each membranous seal <b>20</b> with each adjacent membranous seal <b>20</b> to facilitate separation of individual membranous seals <b>20</b>. When unrolled, the membranous seals <b>20</b> would be oriented with respect to each other such that their corresponding tab components <b>24</b> are aligned along a single axis. This method of manufacture of the membranous seals <b>20</b> is made practical by the simple shapes of the sealing component <b>22</b> and the tab component <b>24</b>. It is possible to cut membranous material of various compositions into such shapes using a continuous die-cutting process well-known by those skilled in the art, and to store the results in a continuous length <b>80</b> prior to use in a manufacturing assembly line. Means for feeding the shapes in a continuous length <b>80</b> during manufacture are also well-known.

The invention also discloses a method of sealing containers using the removable sealing device disclosed herein, configured with a plurality of membranous seals <b>20</b> attached to each other in a continuous length <b>80</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, the method involves the use of a plurality of containers, each container <b>2</b> having the characteristics described above, with each container <b>2</b> being filled with its intended contents; a plurality of membranous seals <b>20</b> configured in a continuous length <b>80</b>, having the characteristics described above; a plurality of sleeves <b>40</b>, each sleeve <b>40</b> having the characteristics described above; a plurality of caps <b>16</b>, each cap <b>16</b> having the characteristics described above; a means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b> in an orderly process, such as a conveyor belt as is typically found in a manufacturing assembly line; a means suitably adapted for aligning a terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> of the continuous length <b>80</b> of membranous seals <b>20</b> over a container <b>2</b>, with such means being well-known in the art; a means suitably adapted for attaching the terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> to the rim <b>12</b> of the container <b>2</b>, said means employing an adhesive or a heating process as such means are well-known in the art; a means suitably adapted for separating the newly attached terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> from the remaining continuous length <b>80</b> of membranous seals <b>20</b>, said means facilitated by the serrations <b>82</b> formed into and between the membranous seals <b>20</b> of the continuous length <b>80</b>; a means suitably adapted for folding the tab component <b>24</b> of each attached membranous seal <b>20</b> over the sealing component <b>22</b> of that membranous seal <b>20</b> and down along the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> to which the membranous seal <b>20</b> is attached; a means suitably adapted for aligning one of the plurality of sleeves <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and for positioning that sleeve <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and over the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> attached to the container <b>2</b> such that the sleeve <b>40</b> fits snugly about the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and below the external threads <b>14</b> or other mechanical detents on the neck <b>8</b>; and a means suitably adapted for attaching one of the plurality of caps <b>16</b> to a container <b>2</b> such that the cap <b>16</b> is securely attached to the container <b>2</b> with the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> attached to that container <b>2</b> disposed between the internal threads <b>18</b> or other mechanical means of the cap <b>16</b> and the external threads <b>14</b> other mechanical detent of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>.

The method uses the foregoing elements in the following sequence of steps:

(1) the containers <b>2</b> are conveyed in an orderly process by the means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b>. For each container <b>2</b>:

(2) the container <b>2</b> is positioned by the means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b> beneath the means suitably adapted for aligning a terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> of the continuous length <b>80</b> of membranous seals <b>20</b> over a container <b>2</b>, in anticipation of the container <b>2</b> receiving the membranous seal <b>20</b>;

(3) one of the plurality of membranous seals <b>20</b> joined together in a continuous length <b>80</b> is positioned above the container <b>2</b> by the means suitably adapted for aligning a terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> of the continuous length <b>80</b> of membranous seals <b>20</b> over a container <b>2</b>, such that the sealing component <b>22</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> is aligned with the opening <b>10</b> in the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>;

(4) the membranous seal <b>20</b> is attached to the rim <b>12</b> of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> by the means suitably adapted for attaching the terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> to the rim <b>12</b> of the container <b>2</b>;

(5) the membranous seal <b>20</b> is separated from the remaining plurality of membranous seals <b>20</b> of the continuous length <b>80</b> by the means suitably adapted for separating the newly attached terminal membranous seal <b>20</b> from the remaining continuous length <b>80</b> of membranous seals <b>20</b>;

(6) the container <b>2</b> is positioned by the means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b> beneath the means suitably adapted for folding the tab component <b>24</b> of each attached membranous seal <b>20</b>, in anticipation of the tab component <b>24</b> being folded;

(7) the tab component <b>24</b> of the attached membranous seal <b>20</b> is folded over the sealing component <b>22</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> and folded down along the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> by the means suitably adapted for folding the tab component <b>24</b> of each attached membranous seal <b>20</b> over the sealing component <b>22</b> of that membranous seal <b>20</b> and down along the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>;

(8) the container <b>2</b> is positioned by the means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b> beneath the means suitably adapted for aligning one of the plurality of sleeves <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> in anticipation of positioning a sleeve <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and over the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b>;

(9) one of the plurality of sleeves <b>40</b> is aligned over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and positioned over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and over the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> by the means suitably adapted for aligning one of the plurality of sleeves <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and for positioning that sleeve <b>40</b> over the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and over the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b>, such that the sleeve <b>40</b> fits snugly about the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b> and below the external threads <b>14</b> or other mechanical detents on the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>;

(10) the container <b>2</b> is positioned by the means suitably adapted to convey the plurality of containers <b>2</b> beneath the means suitably adapted for attaching one of the plurality of caps <b>16</b> to a container <b>2</b> in anticipation of receiving a cap <b>16</b>; and

(11) one of the plurality of caps <b>16</b> is attached to the container <b>2</b> by the means suitably adapted for attaching one of the plurality of caps <b>16</b> to a container <b>2</b> such that the cap <b>16</b> is securely attached to the container <b>2</b> with the tab component <b>24</b> of the membranous seal <b>20</b> attached to that container <b>2</b> disposed between the internal threads <b>18</b> or other mechanical means of the cap <b>16</b> and the external threads <b>14</b> other mechanical detent of the neck <b>8</b> of the container <b>2</b>.

The foregoing method is easily and readily adapted to existing manufacturing lines, thus enabling the method and the device disclosed herein to be adopted in existing manufacturing lines with little cost to the manufacturer. Other embodiments not specifically set forth herein are also within the scope of the following claims.